Modern Screen’s Country Music Volume 90, Number 3 February 1996
The next Alison Krause, Claire Lynch comes from a bluegrass-friendly easy mix of acoustic beauty. Charming, smart, blessed with a dynamic voice, this Alabama traditionalist has had her songs recorded by Loveless and Mattea and her voice borrowed for heavenly backup by Dolly and EmmyLou. Moonlighter (Rounder) is a gem from start to finish.
Richmond Times, May 28, 1995
If Lynch fails to get a hearing on mainstream country radio, the loss is all radio’s and its millions of listeners. Long a mainstay of bluegrass and acoustic music, Lynch is one of the best singers and songwriters plying their trade today. Her songs, both originals and those written by others, are unfailingly intelligent and immaculately crafted, while still speaking powerfully in the language of the human heart and soul. Fans of Mary Chapin Carpenter will find here a straighter, country/bluegrass version of the literate songs popularized by their hero. "Moonlighter" is pure delight from start to finish. ****
Sing Out! Nov/Dec 95, Jan 96
Claire Lynch, Moonlighter, (Rounder 0355). The songs are original, as are the musical themes, but the highlight is how Lynch uses and understands time. From the passage of love to the recognition of time elapsed without love, she applies human/local stories to the illumination of "scholars and poets" (lyrics from "Pee Wee And Fern"). Sort of like Iris DeMent, except Lynch’s tales are more universal, less overtly personal.
Blue Suede News, Fall 95
Jeez, another woman singer whose voice knocks me out. Claire Lynch has been around for quite a while, recording sporadically, writing songs for other people and singing back-up for the likes of Linda Ronstadt, EmmyLou Harris, Patty Loveless and others. This country/bluegrass release should be the ticket that establishes her with the public as a singer that you can’t get enough of. Her band, the Front Porch String Band is augmented by Nashville stalwarts Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Stuart Duncan, Alison Brown and others.